London: Sir Jackie Stewart has described Nico Rosberg’s decision to retire at the age of 31 as “courageous and wise”, noting that the German did not lose “a drop of blood” and retired on his own terms.
Stewart won three world championships, in 1969, 1971 and 1973, before retiring at the age of 34, withdrawing from what would have been the final race of his career, the 1973 United Stated Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, following the death of his Tyrrell teammate Francois Cevert in practice. The Scot was an advocate for safety in Formula One during and after his driving career, helping to drive the changes which have resulted in a huge transformation on that front.
Rosberg did not cite safety as a reason for his decision, pointing instead to his desire to spend more time with his young family, to the intensity of the season just gone and to the fact that he had achieved his career goal.
Stewart, though, speculated that it might have played a part. “I think it’s great news,” he said. “Very few drivers have had the courage to do what Nico has done. Or the wisdom. To come through without a drop of blood off his body, to win the world title, and then to say, ‘That’s it, I’m done’. I just think it’s terrific.”
Asked whether he felt safety played a role in Rosberg’s decision given Formula One’s vastly improved record, Stewart added: “It’s definitely much safer now than it was in my day. But motor racing is a dangerous sport.
“I was very lucky to leave on my own terms, as world champion. Others were not so lucky. Jim Clark didn’t. Jochen Rindt didn’t.” Stewart added: “ He is three years younger than I was when I retired. Knowing when to retire is one of the most difficult things in life. It seldom happens as you want it to. He has obviously had a very stressful season. There hasn’t really been harmony between him and his teammate. I congratulate him.”
— The Telegraph Group Limited, London 2016
